KATHMANDU: At least eight protesters were injured as police opened fire on agitating cadres of the Federal Alliance, in Nawalpur of Sarlahi district on Thursday.

The agitating alliance was staging a demonstration in the area today.

The Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal, a major constituent of the FA, said six of the injured were critical.

It also accused the security personnel of suppressing the programme with the use of extreme force including more than 100 cells of tear gas and around 50 rounds of fire.

The protesting cadres had also pelted stones at police in retaliation.

Of the seriously injured, two were referred to Kathmandu, while others are undergoing treatment at the Malangawa-based District Hospital.

The party urged the government to stop using force to contain the protests and address its demands through talks.

Meanwhile, the Alliance postponed a demonstration in Nijgadh of Bara scheduled for tomorrow.

(With inputs from Prabhat Kumar Jha from Rautahat)